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COVID-19 UPDATES

The Tinley Park-Park District Board of Commissioners and staff wish to thank our community for their patience and perseverance through this pandemic. We are pleased to be moving into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective Monday, June 1, 2020.

The District is always committed to providing facilities and programs in the safest possible environment possible. As has been the norm in Phase 2, Phase 3 requires social distancing, wearing face masks when the 6’ distancing cannot be maintained and remaining at home if you are not feeling well. Thank you for your cooperation in following these mandates when using Tinley Park-Park District facilities and parks. As of June 1, Tinley Park-Park District will have the following available to the public:

Tinley Fitness is offering one-to-one personal training with limited availability. The Fitness Center is not open for general workouts, or classes held in the studio or cycle room.

Some Rec Center fitness classes will be held outdoors; exact location for each class will be emailed to registered participants prior to program start date. Classes begin the week of June 8 so register now!

Registration for summer classes is open. Restrictions currently limit the number of participants per class to 10 and require an outdoor location.

Already open are Canine Campus Dog Park, tennis courts and park open spaces. Any gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer individuals and require social distancing and face masks.

As always, the Park District continues to follow the recommendations and requirements of the Illinois Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and other agencies. The fluidity of the situation creates frequent updates and changes. We will continue to provide these through our website, social media and emails. We look forward to seeing you soon! Stay Healthy! Stay Positive! Stay Optimistic!

May 22, 2020

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we regret to announce that the Tinley Park-Park District Annual 4th of July Celebration is being canceled for 2020. The Restore Illinois Plan currently specifies that only 50 people can gather for an activity, so we cannot host this great event. This event brings thousands of people into the heart of the community to enjoy the various activities throughout the day in celebration of the birth of our great nation.

Hosting the 4th of July celebration each year is a staff favorite. Since that is not possible, we are taking our event virtual! Park District staff is busy planning a variety of fun 4th of July themed activities in a virtual format. Look for details on these activities to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

July 4 is traditionally capped off with our spectacular fireworks show. We plan to reschedule the fireworks show to a fall date, yet to be determined, which hopefully provides time for things to open up. We recognize that the annual July 4th fireworks display is a community favorite, so by postponing them until fall we still have an opportunity to hold them.

We know you are as disappointed we are, and we appreciate your understanding. Please continue to watch our website, social media and emails for additional announcements regarding the 4th of July virtual events, fireworks, summer programs and the gradual return to normal through.

Stay Healthy! Stay Positive! Stay Optimistic!

Shawn Roby

May 21, 2020

The Tinley Park-Park District is anxious to get back to the business of recreation! We are happy to announce the start of a gradual reopening! Many restrictions remain in place during Phase 3 of Restore Illinois, so below are the planned first steps starting June 1:

Tinley Fitness plans to offer one-to-one personal training with limited availability. Please watch the website, emails and social media for further information.

Fitness classes are being moved outdoors to location the Band Shell @ the Rec Center, Community Park and Centennial Park. The exact location for each class will be emailed to registered participants prior to program start date.

Registration for summer classes is open. Restrictions currently limit the number of participants per class to 10.

This very fluid situation requires constant monitoring. These plans are based on current guidelines. We will continue to provide you with any and all updated information as soon as we have it.

Thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Tinley Park-Park District received clarification regarding the reopening of tennis courts from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development. As of May 15, 2020, the the tennis courts listed are available for play during daytime hours:

Remember that the Governors Stay at Home Order is still in effect and that all social distancing
rules must be observed. Parks continue to be open with some limitations. The Park District wants you to enjoy time in the parks while observing all COVID-19 protection protocols for the safety of all those using the parks. The following portions of the parks remain CLOSED as use would inherently encourage close contact.
 Playgrounds
 Basketball Courts
 Athletic Fields

May 15, 2020 White Water Canyon Water Park UpdateYour health and safety are our priority. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in effect, White Water Canyon cannot open on May 30. We are awaiting guidance from the Illinois Department of Health and the governor’s office to determine when and if opening is feasible. We will keep you informed of all updates as we receive these guidelines. Please watch our social media, this website and Park District emails for further information.

For those who purchased a 2020 White Water Canyon membership pass, you will receive a full refund of the purchase price or have the refund applied as a household credit for future use. You will receive an email early next week with details. Thank you.

SUMMER DAY CAMP UPDATE

May 12, 2020

Dear Camp Families,

I want to give you an update on Tinley Park-Park District Summer Camps as we near what was to be the start date of our programs. Taking into consideration Governor Pritzker’s 5 phase plan and the fact that we are still awaiting final guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and American Camp Association, the window of time to adequately prepare is shrinking. Therefore, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the first 4 weeks of camp. We will be reaching out in the coming days to families currently enrolled in these first 4 weeks of camps regarding refunds.

At this time, we look to move forward with a plan to have camp begin on July 6. As I am sure you understand, this is a very fluid situation with guidelines and restrictions that may further influence the new proposed start of camp. Tinley Park-Park District wants to conduct the summer program as we have in the past but understands that camp will undoubtedly be very different this year. Social distancing, limited activities with social interactions and the removal of field trips are the start of how camp will change. The Tinley Park-Park District employs dynamic and experienced staff and I am confident we will continue to create a program that is safe, fun and socially appropriate as we move forward.

We are currently developing multiple camp-like experiences in the event we are unable to have a traditional day camp programs and will announce them as they come to fruition. Any changes to camp and additional program offerings will be communicated to you via email and social media.

Thank you for choosing our summer programs for your children. We cherish the time spent developing and nurturing the relationships, social and emotional growth, and fun experiences that are created each summer. Our camp family is grieving these unprecedented changes just as you are. We will continue to move forward during these difficult times with the same positive outlook and detailed planning and feel confident we will come back together soon. Until camp begins-stay healthy, stay positive, stay hopeful!

Meghan Fenlon

Superintendent of Recreation

Tinley Park-Park District

708-342-4213

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May 11, 2020

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of the Tinley Park-Park District’s members and patrons has been at the forefront of all our decisions. The District has followed the recommendations provided by Federal, State and local agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Restore Illinois plan issued on May 6 by Governor Pritzker’s office provides a general outline for the State to move forward in the coming months. However, many ambiguities remain. Specifically, defining the restrictions called for in each phase of the plan as they would apply to the Tinley Park-Park District facilities, programs and special events.

As the details for each of the restrictions are defined, we can make decisions on reopening facilities and programs while abiding by the specified safety protocols. Like you, we are anxious to get back to the business of recreation!

This is a trying time for everyone. We truly appreciate your patience and support while we navigate the myriad considerations required to provide the safest possible parks and recreation environment for everyone. We will continue to share all updates and new information with you through our website, social media and Park District emails. Please check back often for the latest information. Thank you.

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5/1/2020

Canine Campus is now open. All social distancing rules must be observed.

Our parks are open with some limitations. The Park District wants you to enjoy time in the parks while observing all COVID-19 protection protocols for the safety of all those using the parks. The following portions of the parks are CLOSED as use would inherently encourage close contact.

Playgrounds

Basketball Courts

Tennis Courts

Athletic fields

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation until such time as these restrictions can be lifted.

5/1/2020

The uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affects us all. The Tinley Park-Park District works each day to answer all our patrons’ questions with the best information available. For our Summer Day Camp families especially, we understand your concerns. You depend on this vital program for your children each summer.

Our day camps serve children from age 3 to 16 in four locations. The campers are engaged in games, sports, outdoor play, field trips, crafts and other activities throughout the day. It is a dynamic program involving complicated logistics. All factors must be considered carefully to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both campers and staff.

We are awaiting issuance of guidelines from Illinois Department of Public Health as well as the American Camp Association and the Centers for Disease Control regarding best practices to safely open the day camp program. We expect these guidelines to be issued very soon. Once received, our Superintendent of Recreation and Superintendent of Parks along with day camp site leaders can carefully evaluate the guidelines to determine the extent of impact on the program. Then we can make an informed, knowledgeable decision regarding moving forward with the program.

We are aware of the necessity for parents to make arrangements for the upcoming summer. We will communicate all decisions as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this unprecedented situation.

4/27/2020

During these trying times, we could all use a little help from our friends.

Tinley Park-Park District has got your back!

To provide our patrons with peace of mind, we are temporarily deferring payment when you register for a Summer 2020 program! See details onourbrochureandonline registrationpages.

Also temporarily, you can create an online account if you are new to the Park District! Not sure if you already have an account or forgot your user ID/password? No problem! Give the office a call at 708-342-4200, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

In the meantime, sign up for one of our virtual programs to make this month a bit more fun.

We are here for you now and will be here for you on the other side of this historical pandemic. After all, that’s what friends are for!

#stayhealthy#stayhome#tinleyparkFUN

Our staff is working hard to finalize our first round of virtual programs for you. Please check back and watch our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) for updates!

4/8/2020

We are all feeling isolated and trying to cope with the current crisis. We also know that especially during this stressful time access to nature through our local pars and green spaces offers important health benefits, both physical and mental. That means that we all must follow public health guidance and practice physical distancing so that these spaces will continue to be accessible. Please adhere to these tips when you visit a park, go for a walk or take a bike ride!

3/27/2020 Update!

In addition to all cancelled programs and closed facilities, effective immediately Canine Campus Dog Park is closed until further notice. Parks are open. However, in order to maintain social distancing rules playgrounds, pavilions, basketball and tennis courts are closed.

Please remember, by Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order No. 8 social distancing rules and group size are in effect until further notice. If you have any questions, please email info@tinleyparkdistrict.org or call 708-342-4200.

3/23/2020 Joint Statement on Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Social Distancing

Statement from the National Recreation and Parks Asssocation

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) prepared the following statement in support of the safe use of parks and open spaces during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) prepared the following statement in support of the safe use of parks and open spaces during the COVID-19 outbreak. As of March 23, 2020, more than 800 organizations have signed on to voice support.

Concerns about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continue to grip our nation. As organizations that support the power of parks and open spaces as essential resources for health and wellness, we understand that people may have questions and concerns about visiting their local parks, trails or open spaces at this time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has flagged mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. We recognize that social distancing may take a toll on our mental health, especially during high-stress and anxiety-producing global public health emergencies. We also know that parks provide a connection to the outdoors and green space as well as opportunities for physical activity which studies demonstrate reduces stress and improves mental health.

We believe that many parks, trails and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we recommend people follow local, state and national ordinances and guidelines regarding the use of these spaces and recognize that these vary from community to community.

In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:

Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms.

Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.

Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.

While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.

Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.

Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.

We encourage local jurisdictions to keep parks, trails and open spaces accessible as long as it is safe to do so.

Our local parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek peace and restoration. During this time of uncertainty, these places are needed now more than ever. Our nation’s park and recreation professionals are working hard to maintain these spaces and keep them safe, accessible and benefiting our communities during these challenging times. Let us all do our part to use them in a way that respects each other and public health guidance.